Former U.S. Sen. John Breaux announced at a Washington D.C. Mardi Gras event that if Gov. Kathleen Blanco did not seek re-election he would toss his hat into the ring as a Democratic candidate for governor. But recent media coverage, which began with an Associated Press article, has drawn attention to the fact that Breaux does not reside in the state. He lives in a home in Maryland, works as a lobbyist in Washington and even votes in the border state. While we feel the more candidates in the arena the better, all candidates should be honest about their intentions to run and upfront about any issues that might arise during their candidacy. Breaux has remained silent about whether he is eligible to run for the position because state law requires a candidate to live in the state for five years before running. The nation’s eyes will turn to the state when we cast our ballots in the fall as analysts and media look to see what the state’s voters think about the response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita. But Louisiana is in dire need of leadership, and it cannot allow dishonest politics and questionable activities to muddy our attempts to get real assistance. It’s imperative that all candidates be willing to address conflicts and questions presented to them. Breaux should make his intentions clear on whether he is going to run for governor. He should also make clear where he actually resides. If he does not meet residency requirement he should withdraw his name as a candidate. This state can not afford to have real problems lost in a windstorm of controversy concerning where someone’s mail is delivered. Instead the election cycle should concentrate on more important issues such as continuing to rebuild and reduce crime in New Orleans, attracting the German steel mill to south Louisiana and working to help all people across the state. The entire state will be asked to cast their ballots on who will reside at 1001 Capitol Access Road. In order for candidates to address all the needs for residents across the state the race must not become a battle of technicalities, but instead one of substance. Anyone who chooses to enter the race should do so with the utmost honesty and transparency, and Breaux should be no different. He should address the concerns of the people of Louisiana. If he cannot do that when he isn’t even an official candidate yet, how can he be expected to do so if he is elected governor?
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